Letters to the Eagle Editor: June 14, 2006

Hammerheads deserve protection

Given the desperate plight of sharks worldwide, the story of the Florida man who recently killed a "record-breaking" hammerhead should have run on the obituary page.

Hammerheads are fascinating and complex animals. They are one of the most highly evolved types of shark. The wide separation of the eyes gives superior vision, and the frontal lobe between their eyes is spanned by sensory organs that detect changes in pressure and electrical fields.

There are few "sporting" events more blatantly testosterone-driven than trawling for sharks. Those who catch these animals take unabashed pride in the perceived bravery it takes to bait a hook and fake out a fish.

Readers who think these amazing animals should be protected instead of persecuted should visit www.fishinghurts.com.

— Jennifer O'Connor, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals / Norfolk, Va.

Local high school spells educational quality

One key hot topic currently on the Marco agenda is the Tract K issue. Collier County's excuse that Marco can't support a high school because it won't be a typical mega school is ludicrous. Lely has a poor rating, and though many will argue that the rating is flawed, I would rather move into an area that has the highest rated school compared to a D rated school like Lely.

Many Realtors tout Marco Island's great school systems and use the mass selling points for their clients. While the island does have some exceptional schools, especially with the new middle school, the missing link is the high school and it is time to fill that void. There needs to be further investigation into the areas of concern, such as present cost to run the two schools, possible capital investment for a high school, and the possibility of a two-story high school to allow for additional space for fields. We must evaluate the $56 million and keep it on Marco Island where it belongs. The recent letter in the MICA Wave by Chairwoman DiSciullo talks about the spirit of cooperation between Marco and the School Board. This certainly needs to continue but the council needs to do what's best for Marco rather than what is seemingly best for the county.

I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the City Council and feel lucky to have someone like Chairwoman DiSciullo who takes the time to understand an issue fully before making a decision. The fact is our children deserve the best education possible; let's do what we can to make sure that Marco Island can provide that for them.

— John Holleran / Marco Island

Invading iguanas threaten homes

I am seeing the numbers of iguanas increasing on the island at an alarming rate. Nearly every day I have to call my husband to chase one off. When we boat we see them lounging on docks and sea walls. Other areas in Southwest Florida are experiencing the same problem to the point where they may have to create a special tax to eradicate them.

I went on-line to see for myself what these iguanas are about and it isn't anything nice. With no natural enemies they are multiplying rapidly. They can lay up to 75 eggs a year. They have been known to infest attics and vents. They can burrow into sea walls and are causing damage to the protective dunes on the beaches. They destroy gardens, hibiscus being their flower of choice. The big down side is their nasty attitude. They bite, scratch and slap with their spiny tails. They also invade the nests of burrowing owls and gopher tortoises.

I contacted City Hall to find out if Marco had a plan to get rid of them. I was put in touch with Nancy Ritchie, who handles environmental issues. Ms. Ritchie couldn't have been nicer although she regretfully informed me that there is no plan. She told me that I could get a trap and try to entice the creatures with hibiscus or watermelon. Sounds like a plan but, then what? When I catch one what do I do with it? I'm sure that there are those out there that consider them "cute." Get the facts, people! There is nothing cute about non-native iguanas taking over. I sincerely hope that someone takes some initiative and is proactive in response to the problem. Ignoring it won't make it go away.

— Patty Stamatis / Marco Island

Councilor Kiester to hold forum

As a candidate for Marco City Council a few months ago, one of my campaign promises was to hold open forums at which residents would be invited to attend and advise me on the various issues that are or soon will be coming before the city council for action. Well, I need your help and input now!

Please join me from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, Room C, at Mackle Park, to discuss the upcoming items that are or soon will be facing the City Council. I especially need your input on the 'height versus width' question for buildings on the west side of South Collier; the question on how to fund capital improvement projects to the city's parks, recreation and beautification projects; the more recent question raised regarding the median on South Collier; and others. Unfortunately, as I had hoped to do, I cannot discuss the sewer assessment issue due to court proceedings which are occurring as we speak.

I hope to see you there; however, if you have a conflict, please send me your thoughts via whatever means suits you best, to charleskiester@comcast.net; regular mail to 1534 Buccaneer Court, or telephone 394-1612. I will relay your thoughts to those in attendance at the June 15 forum.

— Chuck Kiester / Marco City Council

Endless construction?

In a letter to City Council:

What protects the homeowner next to a vacant lot from six months of constant noise in season every single year in this proposed ordinance replacing 6-81?

Instead of protecting the contractor and seawall replacer, I think the city council should protect the serenity of our citizens.

How about 30 days for curing the panels and 30 additional days to move the fill, and lots cannot be used but every three years?

There's plenty of time and real estate if the contractors stay organized and make an effort to keep things moving.

Have you ever lived next to such an operation? We have and it's unreasonably noisy for a long time.

Please respond specifically about the protections and appeals the adjacent and nearby homeowners will have in this proposed ordinance to protect themselves from living next to an endless construction site. Thank you for a prompt response.

— Sam and Pam Shniper / Marco Island